Over the year, the University has developed strong links with organisations in the United Arab Emirates, including the British Council and the British University in Dubai. The University is proud to have developed a keen understand of the needs of applicants from the region.

Foundation courses

If you have graduated from the UAE education system, you may be required to successfully complete a one year International Foundation Programme before entering Cardiff University's undergraduate programmes.

You will be required to successfully complete the Tawjihiyya School Leaving Certificate with an overall average of 85%, with at least 85% in key subject areas to qualify for the International Foundation Programme.

Undergraduate courses

If you have graduated with the Tawjihiyya School Leaving Certificate, you will be required to successfully complete a one year Foundation programme before qualifying for undergraduate programmes at Cardiff University.

You will be required to have A-levels or the equivalent of the International Baccalaureate Diploma to qualify for Cardiff University's undergraduate programmes.

Postgraduate taught courses

If you have a good bachelor's degree from a recognised university, you will be considered for entry on to Cardiff University's postgraduate programmes.

Postgraduate research programmes

If you are applying for research programmes from the UAE, you will be required to provide evidence that you have already carried out research, usually via the successful completion of a relevant master's degree.

You will be considered for PhD study if you have a good master's degree.

English language

A relevant English language qualification is also required — normally a minimum of 6.5 IELTS, however, this may vary from course to course.

If you are unsure of your qualifications or entry requirements please contact the International Office.

Mr Patrick Cosh from the International Office will be travelling to UAE in April 2015 and would like to meet with anyone interested in studying at Cardiff University.

If you are interested in studying at Cardiff University or have made an application, you can meet Pat at the following events:

Khaled earned a distinction for his MBA in Cardiff University and later on was selected amongst many as the Middle East Coordinator for the PwC Developing National Talent programme - a high honour sought after by many. Currently living an exhilarating lifestyle as a Senior Consultant for the world’s largest professional services firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), he still recalls the guidance and support offered by the Business School that helped in the completion of his intensive MBA course.

As a Student at Cardiff University

Why did you choose Cardiff to do your MBA?

After reviewing the range of business schools across the United Kingdom, I selected Cardiff Business School for many reasons. Firstly, Cardiff Business School provides first-class educational facilities and world-renowned lecturers and professors. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Cardiff Business School was ranked 4th in the United Kingdom of all business and management schools.

Secondly, the MBA programme, particularly the combination of theoretical and practical work was a unique offering that would satisfy my career aspirations.

Finally, the diversity at Cardiff Business School both in terms of cultural and industry backgrounds played an important part in my decision.

Do you think Cardiff equipped you with the necessary skills for your job?

Yes! I acquired greater business acumen and expertise through the critical thinking lectures, integrated case studies and the various syndicates and tutorials. I also developed better problem solving and analytical skills in the process.

Tell me a little about your time here? Did you enjoy the MBA? Did you learn a lot that was useful to your later work?

As an academic experience, Cardiff was unforgettable. Cardiff is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city with a rich historical setting. The city not only provided a good platform for learning but also quenched my thirst for exploring new destinations.

Overall, the MBA programme was great, particularly the dissertation which constituted the final phase of the programme, reflecting on the entire learning absorbed throughout the academic year. I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to my dissertation supervisor and Academic Director of the MBA programme, Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna, for his invaluable guidance and support. I would also like to sincerely thank the Government of the United Arab Emirates for awarding me a scholarship for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

I believe that the learning acquired from the dissertation was very useful as it provided me with an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate specific business and management areas of concern and to better understand organisational complexities in the context of the real world; in turn transforming me into a well rounded leader capable of reaping the benefits of globalised markets.

Life after Graduation

You’ve had a very exciting career, and now you’re a Senior Consultant in PwC. What does a typical day look like?

The truth is that there never really is a typical day in consulting – this fact, along with the erratic, exhilarating, challenging nature of the job, is not only what drew most of us to the field, but is also what keeps us constantly engaged. In general, however, a typical day depends on the project that you are involved in. Projects can vary in length depending on the intricate requirements and needs of clients. They usually involve cross-functional teams and are based across several international borders. In essence, there is no typical day in consulting; in fact the only constant is change.

What does your job entail now? What are your responsibilities?

My job entails providing consultancy services and solutions in the areas of corporate governance, organisation design, change management, performance management, leadership development, and talent management with the aim of improving the business performance of clients.

My responsibilities are often complex and varied depending on the nature of the project. The most recent project I was involved in was commissioned by one of the leading governments in the region. My responsibilities entailed developing a government-wide change management programme and the objective of my role was to support the effective implementation and integration of a strategic government-wide initiative.

Tell us about one of the biggest challenges you have had to face over the past year.

The fast-paced lifestyle that consulting demands looks something like this:

“It's 5a.m. and you’re airborne, off to visit a client at 10a.m., a large family business based in the region. On the plane, you review notes that the project director gave you about the client: its background, needs, requirements, and financial resources. When you first meet with the client, you are pedalling hard. You return to the hotel at 8p.m. This is followed by a team debrief to agree on the next steps and accountabilities. You then start to review notes and work until 2a.m., since the client is expecting something in the morning. And the saga continues...”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most is the variety which I am exposed to. Consulting involves working, with clients across multiple industries, in house teams spanning over different specialisations and competencies, and in various jurisdictions for disparate periods of time. The exposure to the wide array of client issues is an enriching and compelling experience, and serves to strengthen my knowledge of the business world today.

Reflections

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with prospective students from UAE who are thinking about coming to Cardiff?

Be prepared! The MBA programme is intensive, the modules are demanding and the deadlines are tight. Recognise that you will burn out towards the end of this lengthy process. However, should you decide to accept the challenge, this experience will lead you to your dream career path.

As an academic experience, Cardiff was unforgettable.

Student views

Have fun, enjoy the food, enjoy the environment and enjoy what Cardiff city has to offer. Allow yourself to be surprised.

Yang Su Yin, BSc Psychology

The cost of living is just right for your pocket; you can have an enjoyable time both socially and academically.

Kajal Shah, MPharm Pharmacy

Cardiff Contact - Patrick Cosh

Hello. I’m Patrick Cosh and I’ve been Country Manager for the UAE since 2012. I’m a Cardiff University alumnus and studied Modern History and Politics at the University, graduating in 2004.

I visit the region several times a year, and my role involves guiding and assisting students applying to Cardiff. As well as meeting with prospective students on my trips to the UAE, I work closely with Embassies and other partner organisations of the University

Please do feel free to let me know if you have any questions about studying at Cardiff University, as I will be very happy to advise further.

Clubs & societies

Cardiff University Islamic Society

The Cardiff University Islamic Society (Cardiff ISoc) is an organisation formed by students, for students to increase understanding about the religion of Islam. Cardiff ISoc runs events throughout the year, ranging from socials to sporting events, open to all.